Exam-style question
Try this first
Which of the following best describes a refrigerator's operation as a reversed heat engine?.
- A.It absorbs heat from the interior and releases it outside.
- B.It generates heat to cook food.
- C.It converts electrical energy into thermal energy.
- D.It uses mechanical work to produce heat.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- It absorbs heat from the interior and releases it outside.
Explanation
Why this works
A refrigerator operates as a reversed heat engine by absorbing heat from its interior (the cold reservoir) and releasing it to the outside environment (the hot reservoir), thus keeping the interior cool.
Common mistake
No common mistake is linked to this question yet.